The Resilience Bank Account: Investing in Your Emotional Reserve
The Resilience Bank Account: Investing in Your Emotional Reserve
In this insightful episode of The School of Resilience, Dr. Maria Bargeman delves into the science behind psychological resilience, exploring why some individuals bounce back from trauma while others struggle. She introduces the concept of a "Resilience Bank Account," explaining how childhood experiences, like positive role models and opportunities to face challenges, play a role in either strengthening or weakening our resilience foundation. Dr. Bargeman emphasizes that resilience is not an innate trait, but rather a skill that can be developed, even for those starting with what she calls a "resilience deficit."
Dr. Bargeman highlights the importance of not downplaying the pain of trauma, but instead focusing on cultivating protective factors that support healing. She discusses the role of mindset and the idea of "supportive scaffolding"—building a nurturing social network that can provide strength during tough times. Acknowledging small victories and surrounding oneself with positive influences are key steps to calming the brain's heightened threat response after trauma, fostering a sense of balance and hope.
The episode concludes with a discussion on overcoming fears and making "mini mindset micro-shifts" to build resilience gradually. Dr. Bargeman encourages listeners to seek out resilience role models and draw inspiration from their stories as a way to build an emotional reserve for challenging times.
As an expert in trauma recovery, Dr. Maria Bargeman continues to guide her audience through a journey of hope, strength, and healing. Learn more about her work at mariabargeman.com.
Takeaways:
Resilience is a skill that can be cultivated, not an inherent trait.
Building a nurturing social network ("supportive scaffolding") is critical for resilience.
Small mindset shifts and surrounding yourself with positive role models can help you build resilience over time.
